Catacombs is the fourth area of The Messenger. It is a stereotypical spooky level filled with reanimated skeletons, bats, and wizards.
Ninja falls into the west side of the Catacombs after falling through a broken bridge in Forlorn Temple. The east side of the Catacombs leads to Bamboo Creek. In 16-bit, a westward pathway leads to Autumn Hills. Additionally in 16-bit, a hidden southward pathway leads to the Dark Cave.
Appearance[]
8-Bit[]
The Catacombs has yellow architecture with green accents. Its black and blue background is filled with skulls and various spooky knickknacks.
16-Bit[]
The Catacombs has brown architecture with blue accents. Its black and blue background is filled with skulls and various spooky knickknacks.
Items[]
8-Bit[]
- Ninja automatically "collects" Necro the Phobekin after arriving in the Catacombs for the first time.
16-Bit[]
- Ninja obtains Ruxxtin's Amulet after interacting with Ruxxtin's coffin.
Power Seals[]
- For the main article, see Power Seals.
Linear[]
Power Seal #1[]
In 8-bit after the first shop checkpoint, Ninja falls into a room with two breakable blocks. Break the blocks and head into the Power Seal room. Avoid the moving spike platforms and navigate to the Power Seal.
Final[]
Power Seal #2[]
In 16-bit, a breakable block is in the upper-left corner of a room with a Mermofwizquard and two Bats. Break the block and enter the Power Seal room. Navigate through time rifts, crusher blocks, and emerging spikes to reach the Power Seal.
Power Seal #3[]
In 16-bit, in a long horizontal room with a checkpoint and an auto-scrolling vertical wall of spikes, climb into the room above to reach the Power Seal room. Swim through spike-filled water to reach the Power Seal.
The Shopkeeper's Dialogue[]
Current area[]
 Shopkeeper
|
Hey, you made it to the Catacombs. |
 Ninja
|
Ok, anything I should know? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Not really, it's pretty standard stuff. |
| Ninja
|
Skeletons? |
| Shopkeeper
|
And bats. |
| Ninja
|
Oh, evil wizards too? |
| Shopkeeper
|
You bet, a necromancer even took over! |
| Ninja
|
Spooky. |
| Shopkeeper
|
Clichéd. I suggest you get this area out of the way, there are more original ones lined up. |
Demon King[]
| Shopkeeper
|
Hey, how did that epic raid on the Demon King go? |
| Ninja
|
... |
| Shopkeeper
|
Did you manage to save the world and restore your people's honor? |
| Ninja
|
It's not fair, the bridge was in shambles. |
| Shopkeeper
|
Well, we wouldn't have much of an adventure if you faced-off against the big villain right away, now would we? |
What do you do here?[]
| Ninja
|
What do you do here? |
| Shopkeeper
|
I study magic. |
| Ninja
|
Can you teach me? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Not really. |
| Ninja
|
Why not? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Because you're not ready. |
| Ninja
|
Ready for what? |
| Shopkeeper
|
For magic! Come on, you just asked. |
| Ninja
|
No but I meant- |
| Shopkeeper
|
Believe me, learning magic is a lot harder than following a conversation. |
[]
- For the main article, see The Shopkeeper's Stories.
| Ninja
|
Do you have any stories to share? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Of course, here's one for you. There once was a poor old lady who had nothing in life, save for a small shack and a pear tree. Her name was Madam Misery. Her whole family ate misery, and sometimes there wasn't even enough misery to go around. One day, she was visited by a starving beggar, who asked whether she had any food to spare. She didn't, but her heart was as big as her situation was unfortunate. So she served the beggar a few clumps out of the tasteless broth she had simmering, then invited him to help himself to a few pears. The beggar removed his cloak, revealing himself as a deity. He was disguised as a beggar to see whether there was any kindness left in the world. Touched by Madam Misery's generosity, he offered to grant her a wish. |
| Ninja
|
Let me guess, she didn't want anything and it's a moral about living frugally? |
| Shopkeeper
|
No no, this is good, let me continue. She mentioned a lot of people were stealing her fruits, which jeopardized her chance to eat every day. Her wish was simple: an enchantment on her pear tree, so that it would trap anyone who stole from it until she decided to free them. The divine visitor granted her wish and took his leave. Time went by and she scolded many thieves, but soon realized that most of them were starving children. She decided to take it upon herself to feed and educate them, and soon became the pillar of a thriving new generation. Ever happy and generous, Madam Misery got so old that her face looked like an elephant's knee. And then one day, Death came for her. |
| Ninja
|
... |
| Shopkeeper
|
Death, following the protocol, inquired about her last request. "I would like to eat one last pear from my tree", she said. "Would you be kind enough to grab one for me?" Death climbed into the tree to grab a pear, getting trapped in the process. The old lady decided to never let Death out of the trap, and since then there has been Misery in the world. The end. |
| Ninja
|
... |
| Shopkeeper
|
Right? |
| Ninja
|
What's the moral? Being selfless justifies being selfish later? |
| Shopkeeper
|
... |
| Ninja
|
Generosity begets misery? |
| Shopkeeper
|
I don't know, it's a fairytale for kids, I just thought the idea of death trapped in a pear tree was interesting. |
Level boss[]
| Shopkeeper
|
I believe you have reached the necromancer's doorstep. |
| Ninja
|
Any advice? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Very little is known about this villain. |
| Ninja
|
Ok so no advice? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Dodging anything that looks like evil magic would be a good start. |
| Ninja
|
Wow, great help. |
| Shopkeeper
|
Well, I also recommend looking at my inventory for any useful upgrades. |
| Ninja
|
I really appreciate all the support. |
| Shopkeeper
|
Look, the necromancer is a newcomer. All we know for now is that he plans on taking over the world with his undead army. |
| Ninja
|
All WE know? |
| Shopkeeper
|
Sorry I meant I... all I know... |
| Ninja
|
... |
| Shopkeeper
|
I'm totally on my own here. |
| Ninja
|
... |
Gallery[]
General[]
8-Bit Rooms[]
.png "Catacombs 8-Bit Room 29 (New).png (169 KB)")
Interactive Locations Map[]
| Locations in The Messenger | |
|---|---|
| Messenger Island | Ninja Village • Autumn Hills • Forlorn Temple • Catacombs • Bamboo Creek • Howling Grotto • Quillshroom Marsh • Searing Crags • Glacial Peak • Tower of Time • Cloud Ruins • Underworld • Dark Cave • Rivière Turquoise • Sunken Shrine • Elemental Skylands • Corrupted Future • Music Box |
| Voodkin Island | Open Sea • Voodkin Shore • Fire Mountain • Voodoo Heart |
| Miscellaneous Locations | The Shop • Tower of Time HQ • The Craftsman's Corner • The Void |